Recreational fishermen fishing for golden and blueline tilefish north of the North Carolina/Virginia border are subject to special permitting and reporting requirements. These requirements are intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of recreational catch and effort estimates. Consistent and accurate reporting by recreational fishermen helps ensure the long-term sustainability of these fisheries.
If you own or operate a private recreational fishing vessel, you must have a private recreational tilefish permit to fish for or possess golden or blueline tilefish in federal waters north of the North Carolina/Virginia border. You also must submit an electronic trip report within 24 hours of returning to port after any trip where you fished for or retained tilefish (even if you didn’t catch or keep any fish). These rules also apply to for-hire vessels taking private recreational trips.
If you think there’s even a chance you might target tilefish while on a trip for another species, such as tuna or swordfish, you should review this information, apply for a free permit, and select an electronic reporting application.
Please note that the recreational tilefish permit is an annual permit that begins on May 1 and expires on April 30 of the following year. You will need to reapply for the permit each year. Remember to allow time for your permit to be processed. You will need to print your permit from your GARFO Fish Online account after it is issued.
Contact GARFO’s Permit Office at 978-282-8438 or NMFS.GAR.Permits@noaa.gov, and for assistance with your Fish Online account, call 978-281-9188.
